Sudan: Activists call for protests in Khartoum Nov. 25 after military reinstates Prime Minister Hamdok Nov. 21 /update 10

Event

Protests against the Oct. 25 military coup d'etat and related insecurity are likely to persist nationwide through early December. Activists have called for further protests in Khartoum Nov. 25, to denounce the recent reinstatement by the army of Abdullah Hamdok as Prime Minister Nov. 21, and demand the immediate transfer of political power to civilian authorities. The exact time and location for the protest remain unclear as of Nov. 23, however, protesters are likely to gather in the city center, near major government buildings, and along road routes. Protests in other major cities are also possible.

Security forces will almost certainly heighten security along key thoroughfares and government buildings during protest periods. Bridges in the Khartoum area will likely be closed to prevent protesters from gathering. Officials will also likely disrupt telecommunications to prevent protesters from organizing. Protesters are likely to continue to block roads and clash with the security forces. Any significant unrest is likely to disrupt state and business operations. Public transport will also likely be disrupted on protest days. Access to Khartoum International Airport (KRT) could be restricted at times.

Insecurity is likely to persist across Sudan until at least early December, manifesting in regular anti-coup demonstrations in and around Khartoum and in other major cities. Protesters are likely to gather in city centers, near government facilities, and along major roads. Clashes are almost certain at all related demonstrations, with an elevated risk of violence in areas where anti-coup demonstrators and potential counterprotesters gather in proximity. Heightened security measures are almost certain to be maintained along key thoroughfares and around government buildings in and around Khartoum during this and future periods of protest activity. Disruptions to intracity and intercity road travel, airports, border crossings, business operations, and telecommunications are likely amid significant bouts of civil unrest or authorities' security-related operations.

Context

Under the direction of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudanese forces staged a coup Oct. 25, deposing Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok. General al-Burhan subsequently declared a nationwide state of emergency and dissolved the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, which served as the country's transitional government. Subsequent clashes between security forces and anti-coup protesters have left dozens of people dead and wounded.

The Sudanese military released Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok from house arrest and reinstated him to political office Nov. 21, nearly a month after a coup d'etat deposed him in late October. Hamdok is expected to lead a technocratic, civilian government under military oversight during a transitional period; this period would culminate with the handover of power to an elected government, presumably following elections in 2023. Among other provisions, political detainees under arrest since the Oct. 25 coup should be released and the Council of Ministers reestablished.

Despite the agreement, protests continued in and around Khartoum Nov. 21, as key civil society groups, including the Sudanese Professionals' Association (SPA) and the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change (FFC), wholly rejected the deal. Security forces reportedly fired bullets and tear gas to disperse the gatherings, killing at least one protester in Omdurman.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to Sudan until the current situation stabilizes. Individuals in-country should limit movement on days with scheduled protests and avoid large public gatherings, night movement, and security personnel concentrations. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Refuel vehicles when safe to do so. Purchase/obtain essential goods when available. Reconfirm all scheduled transport services, including flights, before departure. Carry identification to facilitate passage through checkpoints. Regularly review and update contingency plans with trusted contacts.